Many people consider coffee an integral part of their morning ritual. This may involve getting their caffeine fix from a cafe, at home or even the office brewing system; regardless of their preference most coffee lovers have their own recipe for crafting the ideal cup. Recently though, mushroom coffee has become increasingly popular on the internet.

But is it really worth all of its hype? Mushroom coffee brew has gained much acclaim as an effective health drink, providing benefits ranging from immune support and stress relief to energy boost, focus enhancement and fatigue fighting capabilities – touted by everyone from Meghan Duchess of Sussex and Taika Waititi to Joe Rogan himself.

Mushroom coffee is typically sold as a ground powder that can be added to instant or regular coffee for instant enjoyment or brewed as a traditional cup of joe. It typically combines dried and ground medicinal mushrooms like chaga, lion’s mane, reishi and turkey tail with coffee grounds or beans to produce this unique beverage. Some brands even use herbal alternatives like chicory root or dandelion root instead of regular beans to offer a caffeine-free beverage option.

Blends typically boast similar flavors to regular coffee with subtle nutty or earthy tones, according to their brands that sell them. Furthermore, these beverages tend to be lower caffeinated than standard cups of java with many brands boasting between 50-60 milligrams of caffeine per serving – and many brands even claim they’re gluten-free!

Health benefits associated with these blends have included increasing immunity, preventing cancer and supporting weight loss. Certain fungi, like Chaga and Reishi have even shown to be anti-inflammatory; but more research needs to be conducted, particularly among humans.

Many of the fungi used in these blends may be difficult for our digestive systems. Chaga mushrooms contain high concentrations of oxalates which could contribute to kidney stones for some people. Furthermore, medicinal mushrooms may interact with some medications (though that’s unlikely).

Overall, it’s best to speak to your physician before beginning mushroom coffee or any other health drink regimens. This is especially important if you have an existing condition, are pregnant/breastfeeding, taking prescription medication, allergic to mushrooms or have serious health conditions; otherwise it may be wiser to test out small doses to gauge how your body reacts. If attempting this approach nonetheless, be mindful and start slow.